We all know the saying, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” Unfortunately, in today’s society, that phrase has been taken to a whole new level. With the cost of living rising and wages staying stagnant, more and more people are turning to side hustles to make ends meet. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, some of these side hustles are definitely on the shady side. Here are five of the most common illegal side hustles people are using to make money.
Simple Types Of Illegal Side Hustle
- Selling Drugs
This is probably the most obvious one on the list. Selling drugs is illegal in almost every country in the world and it comes with some pretty hefty penalties if you’re caught. But that doesn’t stop people from doing it. In fact, drug dealing is one of the most common illegal side hustles out there. The reason it’s so popular is because it can be extremely profitable. If you’re selling drugs like cocaine or heroin, you can make hundreds or even thousands of dollars per sale.
- Prostitution
Like selling drugs, prostitution is also illegal in most countries. But that doesn’t stop people from engaging in this activity either. Prostitution is often seen as a victimless crime, but that’s not necessarily true. There are many women (and men) who are forced into prostitution against their will. And even if you’re not being forced into it, prostitution can be a very dangerous profession. You’re putting yourself at risk of assault and other crimes every time you engage in sexual activity with a client.
- Gambling
Gambling is another illegal activity that many people engage in. It can be anything from betting on sports games to playing poker at a casino. Gambling is illegal because it’s often seen as a way to make easy money. And while you can win big, you can also lose everything you have just as easily. Gambling is a risky proposition and it’s definitely not something you should get involved in unless you’re prepared to lose everything you have.
- Smuggling
Smuggling is the act of transporting goods or people across international borders illegally. This can be anything from drugs to weapons to humans. Smuggling is a very lucrative business, but it’s also very risky. If you’re caught smuggling contraband, you could be facing some serious jail time.
- counterfeiting
Counterfeiting is the act of making fake copies of things like currency, documents, or merchandise. Counterfeiting is illegal because it’s essentially stealing from the government or businesses whose products are being faked. Counterfeiting can also be dangerous because the fake products are often of poor quality and can be dangerous to use.
Is Earning Financial Freedom Illegally Worth It?
The internet is full of illegal ways to make money. But is it really worth it to risk your freedom for a few quick bucks? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of earning financial freedom illegally.
Pros:
- You can make a lot of money quickly.
If you’re good at what you do, you can make a lot of money very quickly through illegal activities. This can be especially appealing if you’re in a difficult financial situation and need to make some fast cash.
- It can be exciting and thrilling.
There’s no denying that illegal activities can be exciting and thrilling. If you’re the type of person who enjoys a bit of excitement in their life, this can be a huge drawcard.
- You can feel like you’re above the law.
When you’re breaking the law, you can feel like you’re above everyone else. This can be a huge ego boost, especially if you’ve always played by the rules and felt like you’ve been held back by them.
Cons:
- You could get caught and end up in jail.
This is the biggest downside of engaging in illegal activities to make money. If you’re caught, you could end up spending years in jail, which is definitely not worth it for a quick buck.
- It’s morally wrong.
Earning money through illegal means is morally wrong and you will have to live with that guilt for the rest of your life. This can be a heavy burden to bear, especially if you’re not used to breaking the law.
- It could damage your reputation.
If you’re caught engaging in illegal activities, it could damage your reputation and make it difficult for you to get jobs or opportunities in the future. This could have a big impact on your life, so it’s something to consider before you take the plunge.